Thiazolidinedione analogues

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to thiazolidinedione analogues that are useful for treating hypertension.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT application No.PCT/US2007/006385, filed Mar. 14, 2007, which claims benefit of U.S.Provisional application No. 60/782,787. filed on Mar. 16, 2006, each ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition thatincludes selective thiazolidinedione analogs for use in treatinghypertension.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over the past several decades, scientists have postulated that PPARγ isthe generally accepted site of action for insulin sensitizingthiazolidinedione compounds. Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors(PPARs) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor super family, whichare ligand-activated transcription factors regulating gene expression.PPARs have been implicated in autoimmune diseases and other diseases,i.e diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disease, andAlzheimer's disease.

PPARγ is a key regulator of adipocyte differentiation and lipidmetabolism. PPARγ is also found in other cell types includingfibroblasts, myocytes, breast cells, human bone-marrow precursors, andmacrophages/monocytes. In addition, PPARγ has been shown in macrophagefoam cells in atherosclerotic plaques.

Thiazolidinediones, developed originally for the treatment of type-2diabetes, generally exhibit high-affinity as PPARγ ligands. The findingthat thiazolidinedones might mediate their therapeutic effects throughdirect interactions with PPARγ helped to establish the concept thatPPARγ is a key regulator of glucose and lipid homeostasis. However,compounds that involve the activation of PPARγ also trigger sodiumreabsorption and other unpleasant side effects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, the invention relates to compounds that have reduced bindingand activation of the nuclear transcription factor PPARγ. Compoundsexhibiting PPARγ activity induce transcription of genes that favorsodium re-adsorption. The compounds of this invention have reducedbinding or activation of the nuclear transcription factor PPARγ, do notaugment sodium re-absorption, and are therefore more useful in treatinghypertension. Advantageously, the compounds having lower PPARγ activityexhibit fewer side effects than compounds having higher levels of PPARγactivity. Most specifically, by lacking PPARγ binding and activationactivity these compounds are particularly useful for treatinghypertension both as single agents and in combination with other classesof antihypertensive agents

In one aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition useful in treating hypertension comprising a compound offormula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, andring A are described below.

Another aspect of the present invention provides methods of treatinghypertension with a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound offormula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Another aspect of this invention provides pharmaceutical compositionscomprising a compound of formula I and at least one diuretic, such ashydrocholothiazide. Other aspects provide pharmaceutical compositionsuseful for treating hypertension comprising a compound of formula I andone or more agents that limit the activity of the rennin-angiotensinsystem such as angiotensin concerting enzyme inhibitors, i.e. ACEinhibitors, e.g. ramipril, captopril, enalapril, or the like, and/orangiotensin II receptor blockers, i.e. ARBs, e.g. candesartan, losartan,olmesartan, or the like; and/or rennin inhibitors. Still other aspectsprovide a useful pharmaceutical composition for treating hypertensioncomprising of a compound of formula I and compounds that limithypertension by alternate means including β-adrenergic receptor blockersand calcium channel blockers, e.g., amlodipine.

This invention also provides pharmaceutical combinations with lipidlowering agents. Compounds of formula I, because of their PPARγ-sparingproperties and beneficial effects on lipids to lower triglycerides andelevate HDL cholesterol, are particularly useful in combination with oneor more statin, i.e., HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, e.g., atorvastatin,cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, simvastatin,rosuvastatin, pravastatin, or any pharmaceutically acceptablecombination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a graphical representation of the data in Table B. This graphillustrates the affinity of exemplary compounds 1-3 to bind to PPARγ.

FIG. 2 is a bar graph representing the data in Table C. This graphillustrates the antihypertensive effects of compound 1 and HCTZ.

FIG. 3 is a bar graph representing the data in Table D. This graphillustrates the antihypertensive effects of compound 1 in hypertensiverats, wherein hypertension was induced by treatment with aglucocorticoid.

FIG. 4A is a graphical representation of the data in Table E. This graphillustrates the systolic blood pressure of hypertensive rats.

FIG. 4B is a graphical representation of the data in Table E. This graphillustrates the diastolic blood pressure of hypertensive rats.

FIG. 4C is a graphical representation of the data in Table F. This graphillustrates the heart rate of hypertensive rates.

FIG. 5 is a mass spectrograph illustrating the in vivo metabolism ofpioglitazone and compound 1 in rats; and graphical representations ofconcentrations of pioglitazone and compound 1 over time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the following definitions shall apply unless otherwiseindicated.

I. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this invention, the chemical elements are identified inaccordance with the Periodic Table of the Elements, CAS version,Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 75th Ed. Additionally, generalprinciples of organic chemistry are described in “Organic Chemistry”,Thomas Sorrell, University Science Books, Sausalito: 1999, and “March'sAdvanced Organic Chemistry”, 5th Ed., Ed.: Smith, M. B. and March, J.,John Wiley & Sons, New York: 2001, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

As described herein, compounds of the invention may optionally besubstituted with one or more substituents, such as are illustratedgenerally above, or as exemplified by particular classes, subclasses,and species of the invention.

As used herein the term “aliphatic” encompasses the terms alkyl,alkenyl, alkynyl, each of which being optionally substituted as setforth below.

As used herein, an “alkyl” group refers to a saturated aliphatichydrocarbon group containing 1-12 (e.g., 1-8, 1-6, or 1-4) carbon atoms.An alkyl group can be straight or branched. Examples of alkyl groupsinclude, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl,butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, n-heptyl, or2-ethylhexyl. An alkyl group can be substituted (i.e., optionallysubstituted) with one or more substituents such as halo, phospho,cycloaliphatic [e.g., cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl], heterocycloaliphatic[e.g., heterocycloalkyl or heterocycloalkenyl], aryl, heteroaryl,alkoxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, acyl [e.g., (aliphatic)carbonyl,(cycloaliphatic)carbonyl, or (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl], nitro,cyano, amido [e.g., (cycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino,aralkylcarbonylamino, (heterocycloalkyl)carbonylamino,(heterocycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, heteroarylcarbonylamino,heteroaralkylcarbonylamino alkylaminocarbonyl, cycloalkylaminocarbonyl,heterocycloalkylaminocarbonyl, arylaminocarbonyl, orheteroarylaminocarbonyl], amino [e.g., aliphaticamino,cycloaliphaticamino, or heterocycloaliphaticamino], sulfonyl [e.g.,aliphatic-SO₂—], sulfinyl, sulfanyl, sulfoxy, urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl,sulfamide, oxo, carboxy, carbamoyl, cycloaliphaticoxy,heterocycloaliphaticoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy,heteroarylalkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, or hydroxy. Withoutlimitation, some examples of substituted alkyls include carboxyalkyl(such as HOOC-alkyl, alkoxycarbonylalkyl, and alkylcarbonyloxyalkyl),cyanoalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, acylalkyl, aralkyl,(alkoxyaryl)alkyl, (sulfonylamino)alkyl (such as(alkyl-SO₂-amino)alkyl), aminoalkyl, amidoalkyl, (cycloaliphatic)alkyl,or haloalkyl.

As used herein, an “alkenyl” group refers to an aliphatic carbon groupthat contains 2-8 (e.g., 2-12, 2-6, or 2-4) carbon atoms and at leastone double bond. Like an alkyl group, an alkenyl group can be straightor branched. Examples of an alkenyl group include, but are not limitedto allyl, isoprenyl, 2-butenyl, and 2-hexenyl. An alkenyl group can beoptionally substituted with one or more substituents such as halo,phospho, cycloaliphatic [e.g., cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl],heterocycloaliphatic [e.g., heterocycloalkyl or heterocycloalkenyl],aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, acyl [e.g.,(aliphatic)carbonyl, (cycloaliphatic)carbonyl, or(heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl], nitro, cyano, amido [e.g.,(cycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino,(heterocycloalkyl)carbonylamino, (heterocycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino,heteroarylcarbonylamino, heteroaralkylcarbonylamino alkylaminocarbonyl,cycloalkylaminocarbonyl, heterocycloalkylaminocarbonyl,arylaminocarbonyl, or heteroarylaminocarbonyl], amino [e.g.,aliphaticamino, cycloaliphaticamino, heterocycloaliphaticamino, oraliphaticsulfonylamino], sulfonyl [e.g., alkyl-SO₂—,cycloaliphatic-SO₂—, or aryl-SO₂—], sulfinyl, sulfanyl, sulfoxy, urea,thiourea, sulfamoyl, sulfamide, oxo, carboxy, carbamoyl,cycloaliphaticoxy, heterocycloaliphaticoxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy,aralkyloxy, heteroaralkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, orhydroxy. Without limitation, some examples of substituted alkenylsinclude cyanoalkenyl, alkoxyalkenyl, acylalkenyl, hydroxyalkenyl,aralkenyl, (alkoxyaryl)alkenyl, (sulfonylamino)alkenyl (such as(alkyl-SO₂-amino)alkenyl), aminoalkenyl, amidoalkenyl,(cycloaliphatic)alkenyl, or haloalkenyl.

As used herein, an “alkynyl” group refers to an aliphatic carbon groupthat contains 2-8 (e.g., 2-12, 2-6, or 2-4) carbon atoms and has atleast one triple bond. An alkynyl group can be straight or branched.Examples of an alkynyl group include, but are not limited to, propargyland butynyl. An alkynyl group can be optionally substituted with one ormore substituents such as aroyl, heteroaroyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy,heterocycloalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, nitro, carboxy,cyano, halo, hydroxy, sulfo, mercapto, sulfanyl [e.g., aliphaticsulfanylor cycloaliphaticsulfanyl], sulfinyl [e.g., aliphaticsulfinyl orcycloaliphaticsulfinyl], sulfonyl [e.g., aliphatic-SO₂—,aliphaticamino-SO₂—, or cycloaliphatic-SO₂—], amido [e.g.,aminocarbonyl, alkylaminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino,cycloalkylaminocarbonyl, heterocycloalkylaminocarbonyl,cycloalkylcarbonylamino, arylaminocarbonyl, arylcarbonylamino,aralkylcarbonylamino, (heterocycloalkyl)carbonylamino,(cycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, heteroaralkylcarbonylamino,heteroarylcarbonylamino or heteroarylaminocarbonyl], urea, thiourea,sulfamoyl, sulfamide, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, cycloaliphatic,heterocycloaliphatic, aryl, heteroaryl, acyl [e.g.,(cycloaliphatic)carbonyl or (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl], amino[e.g., aliphaticamino], sulfoxy, oxo, carboxy, carbamoyl,(cycloaliphatic)oxy, (heterocycloaliphatic)oxy, or (heteroaryl)alkoxy.

As used herein, an “amido” encompasses both “aminocarbonyl” and“carbonylamino”. These terms when used alone or in connection withanother group refer to an amido group such as —N(R^(X))—C(O)—R^(Y) or—C(O)—N(R^(X))₂, when used terminally, and —C(O)—N(R^(X))— or—N(R^(X))—C(O)— when used internally, wherein R^(X) and R^(Y) aredefined below. Examples of amido groups include alkylamido (such asalkylcarbonylamino or alkylaminocarbonyl), (heterocycloaliphatic)amido,(heteroaralkyl)amido, (heteroaryl)amido, (heterocycloalkyl)alkylamido,arylamido, aralkylamido, (cycloalkyl)alkylamido, or cycloalkylamido.

As used herein, an “amino” group refers to —NR^(X)R^(Y) wherein each ofR^(X) and R^(Y) is independently hydrogen, aliphatic, cycloaliphatic,(cycloaliphatic)aliphatic, aryl, araliphatic, heterocycloaliphatic,(heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic, heteroaryl, carboxy, sulfanyl,sulfinyl, sulfonyl, (aliphatic)carbonyl, (cycloaliphatic)carbonyl,((cycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl, arylcarbonyl,(araliphatic)carbonyl, (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl,((heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl, (heteroaryl)carbonyl, or(heteroaraliphatic)carbonyl, each of which being defined herein andbeing optionally substituted. Examples of amino groups includealkylamino, dialkylamino, or arylamino. When the term “amino” is not theterminal group (e.g., alkylcarbonylamino), it is represented by—NR^(X)—. R^(X) has the same meaning as defined above.

As used herein, an “aryl” group used alone or as part of a larger moietyas in “aralkyl”, “aralkoxy”, or “aryloxyalkyl” refers to monocyclic(e.g., phenyl); bicyclic (e.g., indenyl, naphthalenyl,tetrahydronaphthyl, tetrahydroindenyl); and tricyclic (e.g., fluorenyltetrahydrofluorenyl, or tetrahydroanthracenyl, anthracenyl) ring systemsin which the monocyclic ring system is aromatic or at least one of therings in a bicyclic or tricyclic ring system is aromatic. The bicyclicand tricyclic groups include benzofused 2-3 membered carbocyclic rings.For example, a benzofused group includes phenyl fused with two or moreC₄₋₈ carbocyclic moieties. An aryl is optionally substituted with one ormore substituents including aliphatic [e.g., alkyl, alkenyl, oralkynyl]; cycloaliphatic; (cycloaliphatic)aliphatic;heterocycloaliphatic; (heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic; aryl; heteroaryl;alkoxy; (cycloaliphatic)oxy; (heterocycloaliphatic)oxy; aryloxy;heteroaryloxy; (araliphatic)oxy; (heteroaraliphatic)oxy; aroyl;heteroaroyl; amino; oxo (on a non-aromatic carbocyclic ring of abenzofused bicyclic or tricyclic aryl); nitro; carboxy; amido; acyl[e.g., (aliphatic)carbonyl; (cycloaliphatic)carbonyl;((cycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl; (araliphatic)carbonyl;(heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl;((heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl; or(heteroaraliphatic)carbonyl]; sulfonyl [e.g., aliphatic-SO₂— oramino-SO₂—]; sulfinyl [e.g., aliphatic-S(O)— or cycloaliphatic-S(O)—];sulfanyl [e.g., aliphatic-S—]; cyano; halo; hydroxy; mercapto; sulfoxy;urea; thiourea; sulfamoyl; sulfamide; or carbamoyl. Alternatively, anaryl can be unsubstituted.

Non-limiting examples of substituted aryls include haloaryl [e.g.,mono-, di (such as p,m-dihaloaryl), and (trihalo)aryl]; (carboxy)aryl[e.g., (alkoxycarbonyl)aryl, ((aralkyl)carbonyloxy)aryl, and(alkoxycarbonyl)aryl]; (amido)aryl [e.g., (aminocarbonyl)aryl,(((alkylamino)alkyl)aminocarbonyl)aryl, (alkylcarbonyl)aminoaryl,(arylaminocarbonyl)aryl, and (((heteroaryl)amino)carbonyl)aryl];aminoaryl [e.g., ((alkylsulfonyl)amino)aryl or ((dialkyl)amino)aryl];(cyanoalkyl)aryl; (alkoxy)aryl; (sulfamoyl)aryl [e.g.,(aminosulfonyl)aryl]; (alkylsulfonyl)aryl; (cyano)aryl;(hydroxyalkyl)aryl; ((alkoxy)alkyl)aryl; (hydroxy)aryl,((carboxy)alkyl)aryl; (((dialkyl)amino)alkyl)aryl; (nitroalkyl)aryl;(((alkylsulfonyl)amino)alkyl)aryl; ((heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl)aryl;((alkylsulfonyl)alkyl)aryl; (cyanoalkyl)aryl; (hydroxyalkyl)aryl;(alkylcarbonyl)aryl; alkylaryl; (trihaloalkyl)aryl;p-amino-m-alkoxycarbonylaryl; p-amino-m-cyanoaryl; p-halo-m-aminoaryl;or (m-(heterocycloaliphatic)-o-(alkyl))aryl.

As used herein, an “araliphatic” such as an “aralkyl” group refers to analiphatic group (e.g., a C₁₋₄ alkyl group) that is substituted with anaryl group. “Aliphatic,” “alkyl,” and “aryl” are defined herein. Anexample of an araliphatic such as an aralkyl group is benzyl.

As used herein, an “aralkyl” group refers to an alkyl group (e.g., aC₁₋₄ alkyl group) that is substituted with an aryl group. Both “alkyl”and “aryl” have been defined above. An example of an aralkyl group isbenzyl. An aralkyl is optionally substituted with one or moresubstituents such as aliphatic [e.g., alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl,including carboxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or haloalkyl such astrifluoromethyl], cycloaliphatic [e.g., cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl],(cycloalkyl)alkyl, heterocycloalkyl, (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, aryl,heteroaryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkyloxy, aryloxy,heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroaralkyloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, nitro,carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, amido [e.g., aminocarbonyl,alkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylcarbonylamino,(cycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino,(heterocycloalkyl)carbonylamino, (heterocycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino,heteroarylcarbonylamino, or heteroaralkylcarbonylamino], cyano, halo,hydroxy, acyl, mercapto, alkylsulfanyl, sulfoxy, urea, thiourea,sulfamoyl, sulfamide, oxo, or carbamoyl.

As used herein, a “bicyclic ring system” includes 8-12 (e.g., 9, 10, or11) membered structures that form two rings, wherein the two rings haveat least one atom in common (e.g., 2 atoms in common). Bicyclic ringsystems include bicycloaliphatics (e.g., bicycloalkyl orbicycloalkenyl), bicycloheteroaliphatics, bicyclic aryls, and bicyclicheteroaryls.

As used herein, a “cycloaliphatic” group encompasses a “cycloalkyl”group and a “cycloalkenyl” group, each of which being optionallysubstituted as set forth below.

As used herein, a “cycloalkyl” group refers to a saturated carbocyclicmono- or bicyclic (fused or bridged) ring of 3-10 (e.g., 5-10) carbonatoms. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl,cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, adamantyl, norbornyl, cubyl,octahydro-indenyl, decahydro-naphthyl, bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl,bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, bicyclo[3.3.1]nonyl, bicyclo[3.3.2]decyl,bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, adamantyl, or((aminocarbonyl)cycloalkyl)cycloalkyl.

A “cycloalkenyl” group, as used herein, refers to a non-aromaticcarbocyclic ring of 3-10 (e.g., 4-8) carbon atoms having one or moredouble bonds. Examples of cycloalkenyl groups include cyclopentenyl,1,4-cyclohexa-di-enyl, cycloheptenyl, cyclooctenyl, hexahydro-indenyl,octahydro-naphthyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclopentenyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octenyl,or bicyclo[3.3.1]nonenyl.

A cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl group can be optionally substituted withone or more substituents such as phosphor, aliphatic [e.g., alkyl,alkenyl, or alkynyl], cycloaliphatic, (cycloaliphatic) aliphatic,heterocycloaliphatic, (heterocycloaliphatic) aliphatic, aryl,heteroaryl, alkoxy, (cycloaliphatic)oxy, (heterocycloaliphatic)oxy,aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, (araliphatic)oxy, (heteroaraliphatic)oxy, aroyl,heteroaroyl, amino, amido [e.g., (aliphatic)carbonylamino,(cycloaliphatic)carbonylamino, ((cycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonylamino,(aryl)carbonylamino, (araliphatic)carbonylamino,(heterocycloaliphatic)carbonylamino,((heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonylamino,(heteroaryl)carbonylamino, or (heteroaraliphatic)carbonylamino], nitro,carboxy [e.g., HOOC—, alkoxycarbonyl, or alkylcarbonyloxy], acyl [e.g.,(cycloaliphatic)carbonyl, ((cycloaliphatic) aliphatic)carbonyl,(araliphatic)carbonyl, (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl,((heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl, or(heteroaraliphatic)carbonyl], cyano, halo, hydroxy, mercapto, sulfonyl[e.g., alkyl-SO₂— and aryl-SO₂—], sulfinyl [e.g., alkyl-S(O)—], sulfanyl[e.g., alkyl-S—], sulfoxy, urea, thiourea, sulfamoyl, sulfamide, oxo, orcarbamoyl.

As used herein, the term “heterocycloaliphatic” encompasses aheterocycloalkyl group and a heterocycloalkenyl group, each of whichbeing optionally substituted as set forth below.

As used herein, a “heterocycloalkyl” group refers to a 3-10 memberedmono- or bicyclic (fused or bridged) (e.g., 5- to 10-membered mono- orbicyclic) saturated ring structure, in which one or more of the ringatoms is a heteroatom (e.g., N, O, S, or combinations thereof). Examplesof a heterocycloalkyl group include piperidyl, piperazyl,tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrofuryl, 1,4-dioxolanyl, 1,4-dithianyl,1,3-dioxolanyl, oxazolidyl, isoxazolidyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholyl,octahydrobenzofuryl, octahydrochromenyl, octahydrothiochromenyl,octahydroindolyl, octahydropyrindinyl, decahydroquinolinyl,octahydrobenzo[b]thiopheneyl, 2-oxa-bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl,1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, 3-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl, and2,6-dioxa-tricyclo[3.3.1.0^(3,7)]nonyl. A monocyclic heterocycloalkylgroup can be fused with a phenyl moiety to form structures, such astetrahydroisoquinoline, which would be categorized as heteroaryls.

A “heterocycloalkenyl” group, as used herein, refers to a mono- orbicylic (e.g., 5- to 10-membered mono- or bicyclic) non-aromatic ringstructure having one or more double bonds, and wherein one or more ofthe ring atoms is a heteroatom (e.g., N, O, or S). Monocyclic andbicyclic heterocycloaliphatics are numbered according to standardchemical nomenclature.

A heterocycloalkyl or heterocycloalkenyl group can be optionallysubstituted with one or more substituents such as phosphor, aliphatic[e.g., alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl], cycloaliphatic,(cycloaliphatic)aliphatic, heterocycloaliphatic,(heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy,(cycloaliphatic)oxy, (heterocycloaliphatic)oxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy,(araliphatic)oxy, (heteroaraliphatic)oxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, amino,amido [e.g., (aliphatic)carbonylamino, (cycloaliphatic)carbonylamino,((cycloaliphatic) aliphatic)carbonylamino, (aryl)carbonylamino,(araliphatic)carbonylamino, (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonylamino,((heterocycloaliphatic) aliphatic)carbonylamino,(heteroaryl)carbonylamino, or (heteroaraliphatic)carbonylamino], nitro,carboxy [e.g., HOOC—, alkoxycarbonyl, or alkylcarbonyloxy], acyl [e.g.,(cycloaliphatic)carbonyl, ((cycloaliphatic) aliphatic)carbonyl,(araliphatic)carbonyl, (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl,((heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl, or(heteroaraliphatic)carbonyl], nitro, cyano, halo, hydroxy, mercapto,sulfonyl [e.g., alkylsulfonyl or arylsulfonyl], sulfinyl [e.g.,alkylsulfinyl], sulfanyl [e.g., alkylsulfanyl], sulfoxy, urea, thiourea,sulfamoyl, sulfamide, oxo, or carbamoyl.

A “heteroaryl” group, as used herein, refers to a monocyclic, bicyclic,or tricyclic ring system having 4 to 15 ring atoms wherein one or moreof the ring atoms is a heteroatom (e.g., N, O, S, or combinationsthereof) and in which the monocyclic ring system is aromatic or at leastone of the rings in the bicyclic or tricyclic ring systems is aromatic.A heteroaryl group includes a benzofused ring system having 2 to 3rings. For example, a benzofused group includes benzo fused with one ortwo 4 to 8 membered heterocycloaliphatic moieties (e.g., indolizyl,indolyl, isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, indolinyl, benzo[b]furyl,benzo[b]thiophenyl, quinolinyl, or isoquinolinyl). Some examples ofheteroaryl are azetidinyl, pyridyl, 1H-indazolyl, furyl, pyrrolyl,thienyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, imidazolyl, tetrazolyl, benzofuryl,isoquinolinyl, benzthiazolyl, xanthene, thioxanthene, phenothiazine,dihydroindole, benzo[1,3]dioxole, benzo[b]furyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl,indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzthiazolyl, puryl, cinnolyl, quinolyl,quinazolyl, cinnolyl, phthalazyl, quinazolyl, quinoxalyl, isoquinolyl,4H-quinolizyl, benzo-1,2,5-thiadiazolyl, or 1,8-naphthyridyl.

Without limitation, monocyclic heteroaryls include furyl, thiophenyl,2H-pyrrolyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl,isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl, 2H-pyranyl, 4-H-pranyl,pyridyl, pyridazyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazyl, or 1,3,5-triazyl.Monocyclic heteroaryls are numbered according to standard chemicalnomenclature.

Without limitation, bicyclic heteroaryls include indolizyl, indolyl,isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, indolinyl, benzo[b]furyl, benzo[b]thiophenyl,quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, indolizyl, isoindolyl, indolyl,benzo[b]furyl, bexo[b]thiophenyl, indazolyl, benzimidazyl,benzthiazolyl, purinyl, 4H-quinolizyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, cinnolyl,phthalazyl, quinazolyl, quinoxalyl, 1,8-naphthyridyl, or pteridyl.Bicyclic heteroaryls are numbered according to standard chemicalnomenclature.

A heteroaryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituentssuch as aliphatic [e.g., alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl]; cycloaliphatic;(cycloaliphatic)aliphatic; heterocycloaliphatic;(heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic; aryl; heteroaryl; alkoxy;(cycloaliphatic)oxy; (heterocycloaliphatic)oxy; aryloxy; heteroaryloxy;(araliphatic)oxy; (heteroaraliphatic)oxy; aroyl; heteroaroyl; amino; oxo(on a non-aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring of a bicyclic ortricyclic heteroaryl); carboxy; amido; acyl [e.g., aliphaticcarbonyl;(cycloaliphatic)carbonyl; ((cycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl;(araliphatic)carbonyl; (heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl;((heterocycloaliphatic)aliphatic)carbonyl; or(heteroaraliphatic)carbonyl]; sulfonyl [e.g., aliphaticsulfonyl oraminosulfonyl]; sulfinyl [e.g., aliphaticsulfinyl]; sulfanyl [e.g.,aliphaticsulfanyl]; nitro; cyano; halo; hydroxy; mercapto; sulfoxy;urea; thiourea; sulfamoyl; sulfamide; or carbamoyl. Alternatively, aheteroaryl can be unsubstituted.

Non-limiting examples of substituted heteroaryls include(halo)heteroaryl [e.g., mono- and di-(halo)heteroaryl];(carboxy)heteroaryl [e.g., (alkoxycarbonyl)heteroaryl]; cyanoheteroaryl;aminoheteroaryl [e.g., ((alkylsulfonyl)amino)heteroaryl and((dialkyl)amino)heteroaryl]; (amido)heteroaryl [e.g.,aminocarbonylheteroaryl, ((alkylcarbonyl)amino)heteroaryl,((((alkyl)amino)alkyl)aminocarbonyl)heteroaryl,(((heteroaryl)amino)carbonyl)heteroaryl,((heterocycloaliphatic)carbonyl)heteroaryl, and((alkylcarbonyl)amino)heteroaryl]; (cyanoalkyl)heteroaryl;(alkoxy)heteroaryl; (sulfamoyl)heteroaryl [e.g.,(aminosulfonyl)heteroaryl]; (sulfonyl)heteroaryl [e.g.,(alkylsulfonyl)heteroaryl]; (hydroxyalkyl)heteroaryl;(alkoxyalkyl)heteroaryl; (hydroxy)heteroaryl;((carboxy)alkyl)heteroaryl; (((dialkyl)amino)alkyl]heteroaryl;(heterocycloaliphatic)heteroaryl; (cycloaliphatic)heteroaryl;(nitroalkyl)heteroaryl; (((alkylsulfonyl)amino)alkyl)heteroaryl;((alkylsulfonyl)alkyl)heteroaryl; (cyanoalkyl)heteroaryl;(acyl)heteroaryl [e.g., (alkylcarbonyl)heteroaryl]; (alkyl)heteroaryl,and (haloalkyl)heteroaryl [e.g., trihaloalkylheteroaryl].

A “heteroaraliphatic (such as a heteroaralkyl group) as used herein,refers to an aliphatic group (e.g., a C₁₋₄ alkyl group) that issubstituted with a heteroaryl group. “Aliphatic,” “alkyl,” and“heteroaryl” have been defined above.

A “heteroaralkyl” group, as used herein, refers to an alkyl group (e.g.,a C₁₋₄ alkyl group) that is substituted with a heteroaryl group. Both“alkyl” and “heteroaryl” have been defined above. A heteroaralkyl isoptionally substituted with one or more substituents such as alkyl(including carboxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, and haloalkyl such astrifluoromethyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, (cycloalkyl)alkyl,heterocycloalkyl, (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxy,cycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy,heteroaralkyloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, nitro, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl,alkylcarbonyloxy, aminocarbonyl, alkylcarbonylamino,cycloalkylcarbonylamino, (cycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino,arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino,(heterocycloalkyl)carbonylamino, (heterocycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino,heteroarylcarbonylamino, heteroaralkylcarbonylamino, cyano, halo,hydroxy, acyl, mercapto, alkylsulfanyl, sulfoxy, urea, thiourea,sulfamoyl, sulfamide, oxo, or carbamoyl.

As used herein, “cyclic moiety” and “cyclic group” refer to mono-, bi-,and tri-cyclic ring systems including cycloaliphatic,heterocycloaliphatic, aryl, or heteroaryl, each of which has beenpreviously defined.

As used herein, a “bridged bicyclic ring system” refers to a bicyclicheterocyclicalipahtic ring system or bicyclic cycloaliphatic ring systemin which the rings are bridged. Examples of bridged bicyclic ringsystems include, but are not limited to, adamantanyl, norbornanyl,bicyclo[3.2.1]octyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, bicyclo[3.3.1]nonyl,bicyclo[3.2.3]nonyl, 2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octyl, 1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octyl,3-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octyl, and 2,6-dioxa-tricyclo[3.3.1.0^(3,7)]nonyl. Abridged bicyclic ring system can be optionally substituted with one ormore substituents such as alkyl (including carboxyalkyl, hydroxyalkyl,and haloalkyl such as trifluoromethyl), alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl,(cycloalkyl)alkyl, heterocycloalkyl, (heterocycloalkyl)alkyl, aryl,heteroaryl, alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkyloxy, aryloxy,heteroaryloxy, aralkyloxy, heteroaralkyloxy, aroyl, heteroaroyl, nitro,carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, aminocarbonyl,alkylcarbonylamino, cycloalkylcarbonylamino,(cycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino, arylcarbonylamino, aralkylcarbonylamino,(heterocycloalkyl)carbonylamino, (heterocycloalkylalkyl)carbonylamino,heteroarylcarbonylamino, heteroaralkylcarbonylamino, cyano, halo,hydroxy, acyl, mercapto, alkylsulfanyl, sulfoxy, urea, thiourea,sulfamoyl, sulfamide, oxo, or carbamoyl.

As used herein, an “acyl” group refers to a formyl group or R^(X)—C(O)—(such as alkyl-C(O)—, also referred to as “alkylcarbonyl”) where R^(X)and “alkyl” have been defined previously. Acetyl and pivaloyl areexamples of acyl groups.

As used herein, an “aroyl” or “heteroaroyl” refers to an aryl-C(O)— or aheteroaryl-C(O)—. The aryl and heteroaryl portion of the aroyl orheteroaroyl is optionally substituted as previously defined.

As used herein, an “alkoxy” group refers to an alkyl-O— group where“alkyl” has been defined previously.

As used herein, a “carbamoyl” group refers to a group having thestructure —O—CO—NR^(X)R^(Y) or —NR^(X)—CO—O—R^(Z), wherein R^(X) andR^(Y) have been defined above and R^(Z) can be aliphatic, aryl,araliphatic, heterocycloaliphatic, heteroaryl, or heteroaraliphatic.

As used herein, a “carboxy” group refers to —COOH, —COOR^(X), —OC(O)H,—OC(O)R^(X), when used as a terminal group; or —OC(O)— or —C(O)O— whenused as an internal group.

As used herein, a “haloaliphatic” group refers to an aliphatic groupsubstituted with 1-3 halogen. For instance, the term haloalkyl includesthe group —CF₃.

As used herein, a “mercapto” group refers to —SH.

As used herein, a “sulfo” group refers to —SO₃H or —SO₃R^(X) when usedterminally or —S(O)₃— when used internally.

As used herein, a “sulfamide” group refers to the structure—NR^(X)—S(O)₂—NR^(Y)R^(Z) when used terminally and —NR^(X)—S(O)₂—NR^(Y)—when used internally, wherein R^(X), R^(Y), and R^(Z) have been definedabove.

As used herein, a “sulfonamide” group refers to the structure—S(O)₂—NR^(X)R^(Y) or —NR^(X)—S(O)₂—R^(Z) when used terminally; or—S(O)₂—NR^(X)— or —NR^(X)—S(O)₂— when used internally, wherein R^(X),R^(Y), and R^(Z) are defined above.

As used herein a “sulfanyl” group refers to —S—R^(X) when usedterminally and —S— when used internally, wherein R^(X) has been definedabove. Examples of sulfanyls include aliphatic-S—, cycloaliphatic-S—,aryl-S—, or the like.

As used herein a “sulfinyl” group refers to —S(O)—R^(X) when usedterminally and —S(O)—when used internally, wherein R^(X) has beendefined above. Exemplary sulfinyl groups include aliphatic-S(O)—,aryl-S(O)—, (cycloaliphatic(aliphatic))-S(O)—, cycloalkyl-S(O)—,heterocycloaliphatic-S(O)—, heteroaryl-S(O)—, or the like.

As used herein, a “sulfonyl” group refers to —S(O)₂—R^(X) when usedterminally and —S(O)₂— when used internally, wherein R^(X) has beendefined above. Exemplary sulfonyl groups include aliphatic-S(O)₂—,aryl-S(O)₂—, (cycloaliphatic(aliphatic))-S(O)₂—, cycloaliphatic-S(O)₂—,heterocycloaliphatic-S(O)₂—, heteroaryl-S(O)₂—,(cycloaliphatic(amido(aliphatic)))-S(O)₂— or the like.

As used herein, a “sulfoxy” group refers to —O—SO—R^(X) or —SO—O—R^(X),when used terminally and —O—S(O)— or —S(O)—O— when used internally,where R^(X) has been defined above.

As used herein, a “halogen” or “halo” group refers to fluorine,chlorine, bromine or iodine.

As used herein, an “alkoxycarbonyl,” which is encompassed by the termcarboxy, used alone or in connection with another group refers to agroup such as alkyl-O—C(O)—.

As used herein, an “alkoxyalkyl” refers to an alkyl group such asalkyl-O-alkyl-, wherein alkyl has been defined above.

As used herein, a “carbonyl” refer to —C(O)—.

As used herein, an “oxo” refers to ═O.

As used herein, the term “phospho” refers to phosphinates andphosphonates. Examples of phosphinates and phosphonates include—P(O)(R^(P))₂, wherein R^(P) is aliphatic, alkoxy, aryloxy,heteroaryloxy, (cycloaliphatic)oxy, (heterocycloaliphatic)oxy aryl,heteroaryl, cycloaliphatic or amino.

As used herein, an “aminoalkyl” refers to the structure(R^(X))₂N-alkyl-.

As used herein, a “cyanoalkyl” refers to the structure (NC)-alkyl-.

As used herein, a “urea” group refers to the structure—NR^(X)—CO—NR^(Y)R^(Z) and a “thiourea” group refers to the structure—NR^(X)—CS—NR^(Y)R^(Z) when used terminally and —NR^(X)—CO—NR^(Y)— or—NR^(X)—CS—NR^(Y)— when used internally, wherein R^(X), R^(Y), and R^(Z)have been defined above.

As used herein, a “guanidine” group refers to the structure—N═C(N(R^(X)R^(Y)))N(R^(X)R^(Y)) or —NR^(X)—C(═NR^(X))NR^(X)R^(Y)wherein R^(X) and R^(Y) have been defined above.

As used herein, the term “amidino” group refers to the structure—C═(NR^(X))N(R^(X)R^(Y)) wherein R^(X) and R^(Y) have been definedabove.

In general, the term “vicinal” refers to the placement of substituentson a group that includes two or more carbon atoms, wherein thesubstituents are attached to adjacent carbon atoms.

In general, the term “geminal” refers to the placement of substituentson a group that includes two or more carbon atoms, wherein thesubstituents are attached to the same carbon atom.

The terms “terminally” and “internally” refer to the location of a groupwithin a substituent. A group is terminal when the group is present atthe end of the substituent not further bonded to the rest of thechemical structure. Carboxyalkyl, i.e., R^(X)O(O)C-alkyl is an exampleof a carboxy group used terminally. A group is internal when the groupis present in the middle of a substituent of the chemical structure.Alkylcarboxy (e.g., alkyl-C(O)O— or alkyl-OC(O)—) and alkylcarboxyaryl(e.g., alkyl-C(O)O-aryl- or alkyl-O(CO)-aryl-) are examples of carboxygroups used internally.

As used herein, an “aliphatic chain” refers to a branched or straightaliphatic group (e.g., alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, or alkynyl groups).A straight aliphatic chain has the structure —[CH₂]_(v)—, where v is1-12. A branched aliphatic chain is a straight aliphatic chain that issubstituted with one or more aliphatic groups. A branched aliphaticchain has the structure —[CQQ]_(v)- where Q is independently a hydrogenor an aliphatic group; however, Q shall be an aliphatic group in atleast one instance. The term aliphatic chain includes alkyl chains,alkenyl chains, and alkynyl chains, where alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynylare defined above.

The phrase “optionally substituted” is used interchangeably with thephrase “substituted or unsubstituted.” As described herein, compounds ofthe invention can optionally be substituted with one or moresubstituents, such as are illustrated generally above, or as exemplifiedby particular classes, subclasses, and species of the invention. Asdescribed herein, the variables R₁, R₂, and R₃, and other variablescontained in formulae described herein encompass specific groups, suchas alkyl and aryl. Unless otherwise noted, each of the specific groupsfor the variables R₁, R₂, and R₃, and other variables contained thereincan be optionally substituted with one or more substituents describedherein. Each substituent of a specific group is further optionallysubstituted with one to three of halo, cyano, oxo, alkoxy, hydroxy,amino, nitro, aryl, cycloaliphatic, heterocycloaliphatic, heteroaryl,haloalkyl, and alkyl. For instance, an alkyl group can be substitutedwith alkylsulfanyl and the alkylsulfanyl can be optionally substitutedwith one to three of halo, cyano, oxo, alkoxy, hydroxy, amino, nitro,aryl, haloalkyl, and alkyl. As an additional example, the cycloalkylportion of a (cycloalkyl)carbonylamino can be optionally substitutedwith one to three of halo, cyano, alkoxy, hydroxy, nitro, haloalkyl, andalkyl. When two alkoxy groups are bound to the same atom or adjacentatoms, the two alkoxy groups can form a ring together with the atom(s)to which they are bound.

In general, the term “substituted,” whether preceded by the term“optionally” or not, refers to the replacement of hydrogen radicals in agiven structure with the radical of a specified substituent. Specificsubstituents are described above in the definitions and below in thedescription of compounds and examples thereof. Unless otherwiseindicated, an optionally substituted group can have a substituent ateach substitutable position of the group, and when more than oneposition in any given structure can be substituted with more than onesubstituent selected from a specified group, the substituent can beeither the same or different at every position. A ring substituent, suchas a heterocycloalkyl, can be bound to another ring, such as acycloalkyl, to form a spiro-bicyclic ring system, e.g., both rings shareone common atom. As one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize,combinations of substituents envisioned by this invention are thosecombinations that result in the formation of stable or chemicallyfeasible compounds.

The phrase “stable or chemically feasible,” as used herein, refers tocompounds that are not substantially altered when subjected toconditions to allow for their production, detection, and preferablytheir recovery, purification, and use for one or more of the purposesdisclosed herein. In some embodiments, a stable compound or chemicallyfeasible compound is one that is not substantially altered when kept ata temperature of 40° C. or less, in the absence of moisture or otherchemically reactive conditions, for at least a week.

As used herein, an “effective amount” is defined as the amount requiredto confer a therapeutic effect on the treated patient, and is typicallydetermined based on age, surface area, weight, and condition of thepatient. The interrelationship of dosages for animals and humans (basedon milligrams per meter squared of body surface) is described byFreireich et al., Cancer Chemother. Rep., 50: 219 (1966). Body surfacearea may be approximately determined from height and weight of thepatient. See, e.g., Scientific Tables, Geigy Pharmaceuticals, Ardsley,N.Y., 537 (1970). As used herein, “patient” refers to a mammal,including a human.

Unless otherwise stated, structures depicted herein are also meant toinclude all isomeric (e.g., enantiomeric, diastereomeric, and geometric(or conformational)) forms of the structure; for example, the R and Sconfigurations for each asymmetric center, (Z) and (E) double bondisomers, and (Z) and (E) conformational isomers. Therefore, singlestereochemical isomers as well as enantiomeric, diastereomeric, andgeometric (or conformational) mixtures of the present compounds arewithin the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, alltautomeric forms of the compounds of the invention are within the scopeof the invention. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, structuresdepicted herein are also meant to include compounds that differ only inthe presence of one or more isotopically enriched atoms. For example,compounds having the present structures except for the replacement ofhydrogen by deuterium or tritium, or the replacement of a carbon by a¹³C- or ¹⁴C-enriched carbon are within the scope of this invention. Suchcompounds are useful, for example, as analytical tools or probes inbiological assays, or as therapeutic agents.

II. PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS

It is commonly believed that efficacious insulin sensitizing compoundsmust have high PPARγ activity, and conversely, that compounds havingreduced PPARγ activity would yield reduced insulin sensitizing activity.Contrary to this belief, thiazolidinedione compounds of the presentinvention are uniquely effective in treating hypertension and possess areduced interaction with PPARγ.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that metabolicinflammation is a central cause of the numerous key diseases includinghypertension. It is further believed that thiazolidinediones of thepresent invention function to prevent hypertension via a mitochondrialmechanism. Furthermore since the dose limiting side effects due to PPARγinteraction are reduced in compounds of the present invention;especially steroselective isomers, these compounds are highly useful fortreating hypertension.

A. Generic Compositions

The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions that areuseful for treating hypertension comprising a compound of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

R₁ is hydrogen or an optionally substituted aliphatic.

R₂ is hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, oxo, or optionally substituted aliphatic.

R₃ is hydrogen, halo or optionally substituted aliphatic.

Ring A is a phenyl or a monocyclic heteroaryl having 1-3 heteroatomsselected from N, O, or S, either of which is substituted with —CH₂—R₁ atany chemically feasible position on ring A.

In several embodiments, R₁ is an optionally substituted C₁₋₆ aliphatic.For example, R₁ is an optionally substituted straight or branched C₁₋₆alkyl, an optionally substituted straight or branched C₂₋₆ alkenyl, oran optionally substituted straight or branched C₂₋₆ alkynyl. In severalother examples, R₁ is a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl,tert-butyl, pentyl, or hexyl, each of which is unsubstituted. In severalembodiments, R₁ is hydrogen.

In several embodiments, R₂ is hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, oxo, or anoptionally substituted C₁₋₆ aliphatic. For example, R₂ is an optionallysubstituted straight or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl, an optionally substitutedstraight or branched C₂₋₆ alkenyl, or an optionally substituted straightor branched C₂₋₆ alkynyl. In other examples, R₂ is a C₁₋₆ aliphaticoptionally substituted with 1-2 hydroxy or halo. In other examples, R₂is a C₁₋₆ alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxy. In several otherexamples, R₂ is a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, tert-butyl,pentyl, or hexyl, each of which is optionally substituted with hydroxy.In several additional examples, R₂ is methyl or ethyl, each of which issubstituted with hydroxy.

In several embodiments, R₃ is hydrogen, halo, or an optionallysubstituted C₁₋₆ aliphatic. For example, R₃ is an optionally substitutedstraight or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl, an optionally substituted straight orbranched C₂₋₆ alkenyl, or an optionally substituted straight or branchedC₂₋₆ alkynyl. In several other examples, R₃ is a methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl, butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, or hexyl, each of which isunsubstituted.

In several embodiments, ring A is a phenyl or a monocyclic heteroarylhaving 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. For example, ring A isphenyl that is substituted with —CH₂—R₁, at any chemically feasibleposition on ring A. In other examples, ring A is a monocyclic 5-6membered heteroaryl having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, or S thatis substituted with —CH₂—R₁, at any chemically feasible position on ringA. In other examples, ring A is a furan-yl, thiophene-yl, pyrrole-yl,pyridine-yl, pyrazole-yl, 1,3,4-thiadiazole-yl, 1,3,5-triazine-yl,pyrazine-yl, pyrimidine-yl, pyridazine-yl, isoxazole-yl, orisothiazole-yl, each of which is substituted with —CH₂—R₁, at anychemically feasible position. In several examples, ring A is apyridine-yl that is substituted with —CH₂—R₁, at any chemically feasibleposition.

In several other examples, ring A is bound to the carbon atom adjacentto R₂ at any chemically feasible position. For example, ring A is apyridine-2-yl, pyridine-3-yl, or pyridine-4-yl, each of which issubstituted with —CH₂—R₁ at any chemically feasible position.

In several embodiments, the composition further comprises apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions that areuseful for treating hypertension comprising a compound of formula Ia:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

R₁ is hydrogen or an optionally substituted aliphatic.

R₂ is hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, oxo, or optionally substituted aliphatic.

R₃ is hydrogen, halo or optionally substituted aliphatic.

Ring A is a monocyclic heteroaryl having 1-3 heteroatoms selected fromN, O, or S, that is substituted with —CH₂—R₁ at any chemically feasibleposition on ring A.

In several embodiments, R₁ is an optionally substituted C₁₋₆ aliphatic.For example, R₁ is an optionally substituted straight or branched C₁₋₆alkyl, an optionally substituted straight or branched C₂₋₆ alkenyl, oran optionally substituted straight or branched C₂₋₆ alkynyl. In severalother examples, R₁ is a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl,tert-butyl, pentyl, or hexyl, each of which is unsubstituted. In severalembodiments, R₁ is hydrogen.

In several embodiments, R₂ is hydrogen, halo, hydroxy, oxo, or anoptionally substituted C₁₋₆ aliphatic. For example, R₂ is an optionallysubstituted straight or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl, an optionally substitutedstraight or branched C₂₋₆ alkenyl, or an optionally substituted straightor branched C₂₋₆ alkynyl. In other examples, R₂ is a C₁₋₆ aliphaticoptionally substituted with 1-2 hydroxy or halo. In other examples, R₂is a C₁₋₆ alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxy. In several otherexamples, R₂ is a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, tert-butyl,pentyl, or hexyl, each of which is optionally substituted with hydroxy.In several additional examples, R₂ is methyl or ethyl, each of which issubstituted with hydroxy.

In several embodiments, R₃ is hydrogen, halo, or an optionallysubstituted C₁₋₆ aliphatic. For example, R₃ is an optionally substitutedstraight or branched C₁₋₆ alkyl, an optionally substituted straight orbranched C₂₋₆ alkenyl, or an optionally substituted straight or branchedC₂₋₆ alkynyl. In several other examples, R₃ is a methyl, ethyl, propyl,isopropyl, butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, or hexyl, each of which isunsubstituted.

In several embodiments, ring A is a monocyclic heteroaryl having 1-3heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S. For example, ring A is amonocyclic 5-6 membered heteroaryl having 1-3 heteroatoms selected fromN, O, or S that is substituted with —CH₂—R₁ at any chemically feasibleposition on ring A. In other examples, ring A is a furan-yl,thiophene-yl, pyrrole-yl, pyridine-yl, pyrazole-yl,1,3,4-thiadiaziole-yl, 1,3,5-triazine-yl, pyrazine-yl, pyrimidine-yl,pyridazine-yl, isoxazole-yl, or isothiazole-yl, each of which issubstituted with —CH₂—R₁ at any chemically feasible position. In severalexamples, ring A is a pyridine-yl that is substituted with —CH₂—R₁ atany chemically feasible position.

In several other examples, ring A is bound to the carbon atom adjacentto R₂ at any chemically feasible position. For example, ring A is apyridine-2-yl, pyridine-3-yl, or pyridine-4-yl, each of which issubstituted with —CH₂—R₁ at any chemically feasible position.

In several embodiments, the composition further comprises apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition that is useful for treating hypertension comprising acompound of formula II:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁, R₂, R₃, andring A are define above in formula Ia.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition that is useful for treating hypertension comprising acompound of formula III:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁, R₃, and ringA are define above in formula Ia.

R₂ is hydrogen, hydroxyl, or aliphatic optionally substituted withhydroxy.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition that is useful for treating hypertension comprising acompound of formula IV:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁, R₂, and R₃are define above in formula III.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition that is useful for treating hypertension comprising acompound of formula V:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁, R₂, and R₃are defined above in formula III.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition that is useful for treating hypertension comprising acompound of formula VI:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁, R₂, and R₃are defined above in formula III.

In other aspects, the phenyl shown in the generic formulae I, Ia, II,III, IV, V, or VI can be replaced with any monocyclic heteroaryl such aspyridine, thiophene, furan, pyrazine, or the like.

Exemplary compositions according to the present invention includes asingle unit dosage form having about 1 mg to about 200 mg of a compoundof formulae I, Ia, II, III, IV, V, or VI, e.g., between about 10 mg toabout 120 mg, between about 10 mg to about 100 mg, or about 15 mg toabout 60 mg.

Several exemplary compounds of formulae I, Ia, II, III, IV, V, or VI aredisplayed in Table A, below.

TABLE A Exemplary compounds. Compound No. 1

Compound No. 2

Compound No. 3

Compound No. 4

Compound No. 5

Compound No. 6

Compound No. 7

Compound No. 8

Compound No. 9

Compound No. 10

Compound No. 11

Compound No. 12

Compound No. 13

Another aspect of the present invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound of formulae I, Ia, II, III, IV, V, orVI, wherein the compound has a PPARγ activity of 50% or less relative tothe activity of rosiglitazone when dosed to produce circulating levelsgreater than 3 μM or having a PPARγ activity of 10 times less thanpioglitazone at the same dosage.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of treatinghypertension comprising administering a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a compound of formulae I, Ia, II, III, IV, V, or VI. Thecompositions of several alternative methods further comprise apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of treatinghypertension comprising administering a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a compound of formulae III, IV, V, or VI wherein saidcompound has a purity of about 70 e.e. % or more. For example, themethod treating hypertension comprising administering a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound of formulae III, IV, V, or VI whereinthe compound has a purity of about 80% e.e. or more (e.g., 90% e.e. ormore, 95% e.e. or more, 97% e.e. or more, or 99% e.e. or more).

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can also compriseone or more additional antihypertensive agents or other drugs. Oneaspect of the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a compound of formulae I, Ia, II, III, IV, V, or VI and atleast one diuretic, such as hydrochlorothiazide, chlorothaladone,chlorothiazide, or combinations thereof. Other aspects providepharmaceutical compositions useful for treating hypertension comprisinga compound of formulae I, Ia, II, III, IV, V, or VI and one or moreagents that limit the activity of the rennin-angiotensin system such asangiotensin concerting enzyme inhibitors, i.e. ACE inhibitors, e.g.ramipril, captopril, enalapril, or the like, and/or angiotensin IIreceptor blockers, i.e. ARBs, e.g. candesartan, losartan, olmesartan, orthe like; and/or rennin inhibitors. Still other aspects provide a usefulpharmaceutical composition for treating hypertension comprising of acompound of formulae I, Ia, II, III, IV, V, or VI and compounds thatlimit hypertension by alternate means including β-adrenergic receptorblockers, and calcium channel blockers, e.g., amlodipine.

This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions that are usefulfor lowering lipids comprising compounds of formulae I, Ia, II, III, IV,V, or VI and one or more statin, i.e., HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor,e.g., atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin,simvastatin, rosuvastatin, pravastatin, or any pharmaceuticallyacceptable combination thereof.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a combination of acompound of formulae I, Ia, II, III, IV, V, or VI with one or moreantihypertensive agents including diuretics (for examplehydrochlorothiazide, chlorothaladone, chlorothiazide), angiotensiveconverting enzyme inhibitors, e.g., ACE inhibitors, e.g., ramipril,captopril, enalapril, combinations thereof, or the like; angiotensin IIreceptor blockers, i.e., ARBs, e.g., losartan, olmesartan, telmisartan,combinations thereof, or the like; renin inhibitors; β-adrenergicreceptor blockers, statins, or combinations thereof.

III. GENERAL SYNTHETIC SCHEMES

The compounds of formulae I, Ia, II, III, IV, V, or VI may be readilysynthesized from commercially available or known starting materials byknown methods. Exemplary synthetic routes to produce compounds offormulae I, Ia, II, III, IV, V, or VI are provided below in Scheme 1below.

Referring to Scheme 1, the starting material 1a is reduced to form theaniline 1b. The aniline 1b is diazotized in the presence of hydrobromicacid, acrylic acid ester, and a catalyst such as cuprous oxide toproduce the alpha-bromo acid ester 1c. The alpha-bromo acid ester 1c iscyclized with thiourea to produce racemic thiazolidinedione 1d.Compounds of formula I can be separated from the racemic mixture usingany suitable process such as HPLC.

In Scheme 2 below, R₂ is an oxo group and R₃ is hydrogen.

Referring to Scheme 2, the starting material 2a is reacted with4-hydroxybenzalde under basic conditions (e.g., aq. NaOH) to give amixture of regioisomeric alcohols 2b that were separated bychromatography. The regioisomeric alcohols 2b is reacted with2,4-thiazolidine dione using pyrrolidine as base to give compound 2c.Cobalt catalyzed reduction with sodium borohydride affords compound 2d,which is oxidized, for example, with phosphorus pentoxide, to give theketone 2e.

IV. USES, FORMULATIONS, AND ADMINISTRATION

As discussed above, the present invention provides compounds that areuseful as treatments for hypertension.

Accordingly, in another aspect of the present invention,pharmaceutically acceptable compositions are provided, wherein thesecompositions comprise any of the compounds as described herein, andoptionally comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant orvehicle. In certain embodiments, these compositions optionally furthercomprise one or more additional therapeutic agents.

It will also be appreciated that certain of the compounds of presentinvention can exist in free form for treatment, or where appropriate, asa pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or a prodrug thereof. Accordingto the present invention, a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative or aprodrug includes, but is not limited to, pharmaceutically acceptablesalts, esters, salts of such esters, or any other adduct or derivativewhich upon administration to a patient in need is capable of providing,directly or indirectly, a compound as otherwise described herein, or ametabolite or residue thereof.

As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers tothose salts which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment,suitable for use in contact with the tissues of humans and lower animalswithout undue toxicity, irritation, allergic response and the like, andare commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. A“pharmaceutically acceptable salt” means any non-toxic salt or salt ofan ester of a compound of this invention that, upon administration to arecipient, is capable of providing, either directly or indirectly, acompound of this invention or an inhibitorily active metabolite orresidue thereof.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are well known in the art. Forexample, S. M. Berge, et al. describes pharmaceutically acceptable saltsin detail in J. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1977, 66, 1-19, incorporatedherein by reference. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compoundsof this invention include those derived from suitable inorganic andorganic acids and bases. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable,nontoxic acid addition salts are salts of an amino group formed withinorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoricacid, sulfuric acid and perchloric acid or with organic acids such asacetic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid,succinic acid or malonic acid or by using other methods used in the artsuch as ion exchange. Other pharmaceutically acceptable salts includeadipate, alginate, ascorbate, aspartate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate,bisulfate, borate, butyrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, citrate,cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate,formate, fumarate, glucoheptonate, glycerophosphate, gluconate,hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydroiodide,2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonate, lactobionate, lactate, laurate, laurylsulfate, malate, maleate, malonate, methanesulfonate,2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate, oleate, oxalate, palmitate,pamoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate, picrate,pivalate, propionate, stearate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate,thiocyanate, p-toluenesulfonate, undecanoate, valerate salts, and thelike. Salts derived from appropriate bases include alkali metal,alkaline earth metal, ammonium and N⁺(C₁₋₄alkyl)₄ salts. This inventionalso envisions the quaternization of any basic nitrogen-containinggroups of the compounds disclosed herein. Water or oil-soluble ordispersible products may be obtained by such quaternization.Representative alkali or alkaline earth metal salts include sodium,lithium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and the like. Furtherpharmaceutically acceptable salts include, when appropriate, nontoxicammonium, quaternary ammonium, and amine cations formed usingcounterions such as halide, hydroxide, carboxylate, sulfate, phosphate,nitrate, lower alkyl sulfonate and aryl sulfonate.

As described above, the pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of thepresent invention additionally comprise a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier, adjuvant, or vehicle, which, as used herein, includes any andall solvents, diluents, or other liquid vehicle, dispersion orsuspension aids, surface active agents, isotonic agents, thickening oremulsifying agents, preservatives, solid binders, lubricants and thelike, as suited to the particular dosage form desired. Remington'sPharmaceutical Sciences, Sixteenth Edition, E. W. Martin (MackPublishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1980) discloses various carriers used informulating pharmaceutically acceptable compositions and knowntechniques for the preparation thereof. Except insofar as anyconventional carrier medium is incompatible with the compounds of theinvention, such as by producing any undesirable biological effect orotherwise interacting in a deleterious manner with any othercomponent(s) of the pharmaceutically acceptable composition, its use iscontemplated to be within the scope of this invention. Some examples ofmaterials which can serve as pharmaceutically acceptable carriersinclude, but are not limited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminumstearate, lecithin, serum proteins, such as human serum albumin, buffersubstances such as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, or potassiumsorbate, partial glyceride mixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids,water, salts or electrolytes, such as protamine sulfate, disodiumhydrogen phosphate, potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zincsalts, colloidal silica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone,polyacrylates, waxes, polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers, woolfat, sugars such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; starches such as cornstarch and potato starch; cellulose and its derivatives such as sodiumcarboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; powderedtragacanth; malt; gelatin; talc; excipients such as cocoa butter andsuppository waxes; oils such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil; saffloweroil; sesame oil; olive oil; corn oil and soybean oil; glycols; such apropylene glycol or polyethylene glycol; esters such as ethyl oleate andethyl laurate; agar; buffering agents such as magnesium hydroxide andaluminum hydroxide; alginic acid; pyrogen-free water; isotonic saline;Ringer's solution; ethyl alcohol, and phosphate buffer solutions, aswell as other non-toxic compatible lubricants such as sodium laurylsulfate and magnesium stearate, as well as coloring agents, releasingagents, coating agents, sweetening, flavoring and perfuming agents,preservatives and antioxidants can also be present in the composition,according to the judgment of the formulator.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method oftreating hypertension comprising administering a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound of formulae I, Ia, II, III, IV, V, orVI, preferably a mammal, in need thereof.

According to the invention an “effective amount” of the compound orpharmaceutically acceptable composition is that amount effective fortreating or lessening the severity of hypertension.

The pharmaceutical compositions, according to the method of the presentinvention, may be administered using any amount and any route ofadministration effective for treating or lessening the severity ofhypertension.

The exact amount required will vary from subject to subject, dependingon the species, age, and general condition of the subject, the severityof the infection, the particular agent, its mode of administration, andthe like. The compounds of the invention are preferably formulated indosage unit form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage.The expression “dosage unit form” as used herein refers to a physicallydiscrete unit of agent appropriate for the patient to be treated. Itwill be understood, however, that the total daily usage of the compoundsand compositions of the present invention will be decided by theattending physician within the scope of sound medical judgment. Thespecific effective dose level for any particular patient or organismwill depend upon a variety of factors including the disorder beingtreated and the severity of the disorder; the activity of the specificcompound employed; the specific composition employed; the age, bodyweight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the time ofadministration, route of administration, and rate of excretion of thespecific compound employed; the duration of the treatment; drugs used incombination or coincidental with the specific compound employed, andlike factors known in the medical arts. The term “patient”, as usedherein, means an animal, for example, a mammal, and more specifically ahuman.

The pharmaceutically acceptable compositions of this invention can beadministered to humans and other animals orally, rectally, parenterally,intracistemally, intravaginally, intraperitoneally, topically (as bypowders, ointments, or drops), bucally, as an oral or nasal spray, orthe like, depending on the severity of the infection being treated. Incertain embodiments, the compounds of the invention may be administeredorally or parenterally at dosage levels of about 0.01 mg/kg to about 50mg/kg and preferably from about 1 mg/kg to about 25 mg/kg, of subjectbody weight per day, one or more times a day, to obtain the desiredtherapeutic effect. Alternatively, the compounds of the invention may beadministered orally or parenterally at dosage levels of between 10 mg/kgand about 120 mg/kg.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include, but are not limitedto, pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, microemulsions, solutions,suspensions, syrups and elixirs. In addition to the active compounds,the liquid dosage forms may contain inert diluents commonly used in theart such as, for example, water or other solvents, solubilizing agentsand emulsifiers such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylcarbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propyleneglycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, dimethylformamide, oils (in particular,cottonseed, groundnut, corn, germ, olive, castor, and sesame oils),glycerol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, polyethylene glycols and fattyacid esters of sorbitan, and mixtures thereof. Besides inert diluents,the oral compositions can also include adjuvants such as wetting agents,emulsifying and suspending agents, sweetening, flavoring, and perfumingagents.

Injectable preparations, for example, sterile injectable aqueous oroleaginous suspensions may be formulated according to the known artusing suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. Thesterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectablesolution, suspension or emulsion in a nontoxic parenterally acceptablediluent or solvent, for example, as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Amongthe acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water,Ringer's solution, U.S.P. and isotonic sodium chloride solution. Inaddition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solventor suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil can beemployed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fattyacids such as oleic acid are used in the preparation of injectables.

The injectable formulations can be sterilized, for example, byfiltration through a bacterial-retaining filter, or by incorporatingsterilizing agents in the form of sterile solid compositions which canbe dissolved or dispersed in sterile water or other sterile injectablemedium prior to use.

In order to prolong the effect of a compound of the present invention,it is often desirable to slow the absorption of the compound fromsubcutaneous or intramuscular injection. This may be accomplished by theuse of a liquid suspension of crystalline or amorphous material withpoor water solubility. The rate of absorption of the compound thendepends upon its rate of dissolution that, in turn, may depend uponcrystal size and crystalline form. Alternatively, delayed absorption ofa parenterally administered compound form is accomplished by dissolvingor suspending the compound in an oil vehicle. Injectable depot forms aremade by forming microencapsulated matrices of the compound inbiodegradable polymers such as polylactide-polyglycolide. Depending uponthe ratio of compound to polymer and the nature of the particularpolymer employed, the rate of compound release can be controlled.Examples of other biodegradable polymers include poly(orthoesters) andpoly(anhydrides). Depot injectable formulations are also prepared byentrapping the compound in liposomes or microemulsions that arecompatible with body tissues.

Compositions for rectal or vaginal administration are preferablysuppositories which can be prepared by mixing the compounds of thisinvention with suitable non-irritating excipients or carriers such ascocoa butter, polyethylene glycol or a suppository wax which are solidat ambient temperature but liquid at body temperature and therefore meltin the rectum or vaginal cavity and release the active compound.

Solid dosage forms for oral administration include capsules, tablets,pills, powders, and granules. In such solid dosage forms, the activecompound is mixed with at least one inert, pharmaceutically acceptableexcipient or carrier such as sodium citrate or dicalcium phosphateand/or a) fillers or extenders such as starches, lactose, sucrose,glucose, mannitol, and silicic acid, b) binders such as, for example,carboxymethylcellulose, alginates, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidinone,sucrose, and acacia, c) humectants such as glycerol, d) disintegratingagents such as agar-agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch,alginic acid, certain silicates, and sodium carbonate, e) solutionretarding agents such as paraffin, f) absorption accelerators such asquaternary ammonium compounds, g) wetting agents such as, for example,cetyl alcohol and glycerol monostearate, h) absorbents such as kaolinand bentonite clay, and i) lubricants such as talc, calcium stearate,magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate,and mixtures thereof. In the case of capsules, tablets and pills, thedosage form may also comprise buffering agents.

Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers insoft and hard-filled gelatin capsules using such excipients as lactoseor milk sugar as well as high molecular weight polyethylene glycols andthe like. The solid dosage forms of tablets, dragees, capsules, pills,and granules can be prepared with coatings and shells such as entericcoatings and other coatings well known in the pharmaceutical formulatingart. They may optionally contain opacifying agents and can also be of acomposition that they release the active ingredient(s) only, orpreferentially, in a certain part of the intestinal tract, optionally,in a delayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions that can be usedinclude polymeric substances and waxes. Solid compositions of a similartype may also be employed as fillers in soft and hard-filled gelatincapsules using such excipients as lactose or milk sugar as well as highmolecular weight polyethylene glycols and the like.

The active compounds can also be in microencapsulated form with one ormore excipients as noted above. The solid dosage forms of tablets,dragees, capsules, pills, and granules can be prepared with coatings andshells such as enteric coatings, release controlling coatings and othercoatings well known in the pharmaceutical formulating art. In such soliddosage forms the active compound may be admixed with at least one inertdiluent such as sucrose, lactose or starch. Such dosage forms may alsocomprise, as is normal practice, additional substances other than inertdiluents, e.g., tableting lubricants and other tableting aids such amagnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose. In the case ofcapsules, tablets and pills, the dosage forms may also comprisebuffering agents. They may optionally contain opacifying agents and canalso be of a composition that they release the active ingredient(s)only, or preferentially, in a certain part of the intestinal tract,optionally, in a delayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions thatcan be used include polymeric substances and waxes.

Dosage forms for topical or transdermal administration of a compound ofthis invention include ointments, pastes, creams, lotions, gels,powders, solutions, sprays, inhalants or patches. The active componentis admixed under sterile conditions with a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier and any needed preservatives or buffers as may be required.Ophthalmic formulation, eardrops, and eye drops are also contemplated asbeing within the scope of this invention. Additionally, the presentinvention contemplates the use of transdermal patches, which have theadded advantage of providing controlled delivery of a compound to thebody. Such dosage forms are prepared by dissolving or dispensing thecompound in the proper medium. Absorption enhancers can also be used toincrease the flux of the compound across the skin. The rate can becontrolled by either providing a rate controlling membrane or bydispersing the compound in a polymer matrix or gel.

As described generally above, the compounds of the invention are usefulas treatments for hypertension.

The activity, or more importantly, reduced PPARγ activity of a compoundutilized in this invention as a treatment of hypertension may be assayedaccording to methods described generally in the art and in the examplesherein.

It will also be appreciated that the compounds and pharmaceuticallyacceptable compositions of the present invention can be employed incombination therapies, that is, the compounds and pharmaceuticallyacceptable compositions can be administered concurrently with, prior to,or subsequent to, one or more other desired therapeutics or medicalprocedures. The particular combination of therapies (therapeutics orprocedures) to employ in a combination regimen will take into accountcompatibility of the desired therapeutics and/or procedures and thedesired therapeutic effect to be achieved. It will also be appreciatedthat the therapies employed may achieve a desired effect for the samedisorder (for example, an inventive compound may be administeredconcurrently with another agent used to treat the same disorder), orthey may achieve different effects (e.g., control of any adverseeffects). As used herein, additional therapeutic agents that arenormally administered to treat or prevent a particular disease, orcondition, are known as “appropriate for the disease, or condition,being treated”.

The amount of additional therapeutic agent present in the compositionsof this invention will be no more than the amount that would normally beadministered in a composition comprising that therapeutic agent as theonly active agent. Preferably the amount of additional therapeutic agentin the presently disclosed compositions will range from about 50% to100% of the amount normally present in a composition comprising thatagent as the only therapeutically active agent.

The compounds of this invention or pharmaceutically acceptablecompositions thereof may also be incorporated into compositions forcoating an implantable medical device, such as prostheses, artificialvalves, vascular grafts, stents and catheters. Accordingly, the presentinvention, in another aspect, includes a composition for coating animplantable device comprising a compound of the present invention asdescribed generally above, and in classes and subclasses herein, and acarrier suitable for coating said implantable device. In still anotheraspect, the present invention includes an implantable device coated witha composition comprising a compound of the present invention asdescribed generally above, and in classes and subclasses herein, and acarrier suitable for coating said implantable device. Suitable coatingsand the general preparation of coated implantable devices are describedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,099,562; 5,886,026; and 5,304,121, each of which isincorporated by reference. The coatings are typically biocompatiblepolymeric materials such as a hydrogel polymer, polymethyldisiloxane,polycaprolactone, polyethylene glycol, polylactic acid, ethylene vinylacetate, and mixtures thereof. The coatings may optionally be furthercovered by a suitable topcoat of fluorosilicone, polysaccarides,polyethylene glycol, phospholipids or combinations thereof to impartcontrolled release characteristics in the composition.

According to yet another embodiment, the present invention provides amethod of treating or reducing the severity of hypertension.

Another aspect of the invention relates to treating hypertension in abiological sample or a patient (e.g., in vitro or in vivo), which methodcomprises administering to the patient, or contacting said biologicalsample with a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound offormulae I, Ia, II, III, IV, V, or VI. The term “biological sample”, asused herein, includes, without limitation, cell cultures or extractsthereof; biopsied material obtained from a mammal or extracts thereof,and blood, saliva, urine, feces, semen, tears, or other body fluids orextracts thereof.

In order that the invention described herein may be more fullyunderstood, the following examples are set forth. It should beunderstood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only andare not to be construed as limiting this invention in any manner.

V. EXAMPLES Example 1 Formulation of Pharmaceutical Compositions

A pharmaceutical composition including a compound of formulae I, Ia, II,III, IV, V, or VI can be produced, for example, by tableting

-   -   a. between about 1 mg to about 200 mg of a compound of formulae        I, Ia, II, III, IV, V, or VI, e.g., between about 10 mg to about        100 mg, or between about 15 mg to about 60 mg;    -   b. carboxymethylcellulose or carmellose;    -   c. magnesium sterate,    -   d. hydroxypropyl cellulose; and    -   e. lactose monohydrate.

Example 2a Assays for Measuring Reduced PPARγ Receptor Activation

Whereas activation of the PPARγ receptor is generally believed to be aselection criteria to select for molecules that may have anti-diabeticand insulin sensitizing pharmacology, this invention finds thatactivation of this receptor should be a negative selection criterion.Molecules will be chosen from this chemical space because they havereduced, not just selective, activation of PPARγ. The optimal compoundswill have at least a 10-fold reduced potency as compared to pioglitazoneand less than 50% of the full activation produced by rosiglitazone inassays conducted in vitro for transactivation of the PPARγ receptor.These assays will be conducted by first evaluation of the directinteractions of the molecules with the ligand binding domain of PPARγ.This will be performed with a commercial interaction kit that measuresthe direct interaction by florescence using rosiglitazone as a positivecontrol. Further assays will be conducted in a manner similar to thatdescribed by Lehmann et al. [Lehmann J M, Moore L B, Smith-Oliver T A:An Antidiabetic Thiazolidinedione is a High Affinity Ligand forPeroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor (PPAR) J. Biol. Chem. (1995)270: 12953] but will use luciferase as a reporter as in Vosper et al.[Vosper, H., Khoudoli, G A, Palmer, C N (2003) The peroxisomeproliferators activated receptor d is required for the differentiationof THP-1 moncytic cells by phorbol ester. Nuclear Receptor 1:9].Compound stocks will be dissolved in DMSO and added to the cell culturesat final concentrations of 0.1 to 100 μM and the relative activationwill be calculated as induction of the reporter gene (luciferase) ascorrected for by the expression of the control plasmid (coding forgalactosidase). Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone will be used as referencecompounds as described above.

In addition to showing the reduced activation of the PPARγ receptor invitro, the compounds will not produce significant activation of thereceptor in animals. Compounds dosed to full effect for insulinsensitizing actions in vivo (see below) will be not increase activationof PPARγ in the liver as measured by the expression of a P2, a biomarkerfor ectopic adipogenesis in the liver [Matsusue K, Haluzik M, Lambert G,Yim S—H, Oksana Gavrilova O, Ward J M, Brewer B, Reitman M L, Gonzalez FJ. (2003) Liver-specific disruption of PPAR in leptin-deficient miceimproves fatty liver but aggravates diabetic phenotypes. J. Clin.Invest.; 111: 737] in contrast to pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, whichdo increase a P2 expression under these conditions.

The insulin sensitizing and antidiabetic pharmacology are measured inthe KKA^(Y) mice as previously reported [Hofmann, C., Lornez, K., andColca, J. R. (1991). Glucose transport deficiency corrected by treatmentwith the oral anti-hyperglycemic agent Pioglitazone. Endocrinology,129:1915-1925.] Compounds are formulated in 1% sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and 0.01% tween 20 and dosed daily by oral gavage.After 4 days of once daily treatment, treatment blood samples are takenfrom the retro-orbital sinus and analyzed for glucose, triglycerides,and insulin as described in Hofmann et al. Doses of compounds thatproduce at least 80% of the maximum lowering of glucose, triglycerides,and insulin will not significantly increase the expression of a P2 inthe liver of these mice.

Example 2b Measuring PPARγ Receptor Activation

The ability of several exemplary compounds of the present invention,shown in Table A, to bind to PPARγ was measured using a commercialbinding assay (Invitrogen Corporation, Carlsbad, Calif.) that measuresthe test compounds ability to bind with PPAR-LBD/Fluormone PPAR Greencomplex. These assays were performed on three occasions with each assayusing four separate wells (quadruplicate) at each concentration oftested compound. The data are mean and SEM of the values obtained fromthe three experiments. Rosiglitazone was used as the positive control ineach experiment. Compounds were added at the concentrations shown, whichrange from 0.1-100 micromolar. In Table B, “-” indicates that no data isavailable.

TABLE B Activation of PPARγ. Compound (μM) .01 μM .03 μM .1 μM .3 μM 1μM 3 μM 10 μM 50 μM 100 μM Rosiglitazone 230 208 169 138 —  93  83  76 74 (13) (15) (15)  (5) (2)  (2)  (4)  (5) Compound 1 — — 227 232 223228 207 174 170 (1) (8) (12) (6) (13) (28) (35) Compound 2 — — 231 233238 236 223 162 136 (15)  (15)  (12) (13)  (11)  (8) (11) Compound 3 — —226 221 203 185 134  88  77 (17)  (10)  (15) (17)   (1)  (6)  (7)Compound 4 — — 236 230 234 224 200 122  91 (13)  (14)  (11) (15)   (8)(21) (11) Compound 5 — — 235 230 228 226 212 132 106 (8) (10)   (9) (8)(11) (12)  (7) Compound 6 — — 246 246 233 223 198 126  99 (7) (9) (11)(7) (10) (17) (12) Compound 7 — — 249 246 248 237 210 144 105 (9) (5)(13) (7)  (9) (15) (10) Compound 8 — — 237 243 239 241 233 199 186 (6)(5)  (5) (10)   (7) (15) (16) Compound 9 — — 237 237 239 233 234 189 164(5) (4) (13) (9) (12) (19) (20) Compound 10 — — 245 239 240 234 219 126 93 (2) (2)  (2) (3)  (5)  (3)  (3) Compound 11 — — 230 227 232 229 165128  78 (12)  (9) (12) (10)  (10) (30)  (3) Compound 12 — — 243 222 198155 112  80  85 (3) (4)  (6) (8) (12)  (2)  (3) Compound 13 — — 244 243229 230 204 148 108 (9) (10)  (20) (13)  (12) (23)  (5)

Referring to FIG. 1 and Table B, compounds 1 and 2 were particularlypoor binders to PPARγ. Stereochemical specificity for PPARγ activationwas also observed in the disparity between PPARγ binding ofstereoisomers, compound 2 and compound 3, as shown in Table B, above.Furthermore, the PPARγ-sparing compound 1 possesses unexpectedantihypertensive action.

Example 3a Measuring Antihypertensive Action Antihypertensive Action ofCompound 1)

Male Dahl salt-sensitive rats were made hypertensive by feeding of ahigh salt diet (4% salt) for 3 weeks and then treated daily with theindicated dose of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), compound 1, or thecombination of HCTZ and compound 1, as compared to the vehicle alone (1%carboxymethylcellulose/0.01% Tween 20) by oral gavage for 8 days. Meanblood pressure was measured by direct femoral arterial cannulation underfed conditions on day 7 and after a 6 hour fast on day 8. Thehypertensive effects of compound 1, HCTZ, and the combination ofcompound 1 and HCTZ are displayed in Table C.

TABLE C Hypertensive effects of compound 1 and HCTZ. Compound 1 HCTZHCTZ plus Treatment Vehicle (40 mg/kg/day) (5 mg/kg/day) Compound 1 Fed181 167 170 151* (13) (10) (4) (8) Fasted 169 151 155 131*  (9) (10) (6)(4)

Referring to FIG. 2 and Table C above, the antihypertensive action ofcompound 1 is additive with hydrocholothiazide (HCTZ). Data are mean and(SEM) mean blood pressure taken by direct cannulation. N=5; * p<0.05less than blood pressure in HCTZ-treated rats.

These data clearly show that the poor PPARγ-binding compound 1 was ableto significantly lower blood pressure in this model of hypertension.Moreover, the ability of this compound to lower blood pressure was moreeffective with the combination of the diuretic HCTZ.

Example 3b Measuring Antihypertensive Action Prevention ofMedrol-Induced Hypertension

Hypertension was induced in normal male Sprague-Dawley rats by dailydosing with the glucocorticoid methylprednisolone (Medrol) for 8 days.Separate groups of rats received the vehicle (1%carboxymethylcellulose/0.01% Tween 20) by oral gavage and some of boththe vehicle-treated and Medrol-treated rats also received daily doses ofcompound 1 as shown in Table D below. Mean blood pressure was measuredby direct femoral arterial cannulation under fed conditions on day 7 andafter a 6 hour fast on day 8. The data are mean and (SEM) mean bloodpressure obtained by direct cannulation. N=9; * p<0.05 less than bloodpressure in Medrol-treated rats.

TABLE D Hypertensive effects of Compound 1 and a glucocorticoid.Compound 1 Medrol Medrol plus Treatment Vehicle (40 mg/kg/day) (20mg/kg/day) Compound 1 Fed 111 108 123 107* (2) (2) (2) (5) Fasted 112108 122 109* (2) (2) (2) (3)

Referring to FIG. 3 and Table D above, these data clearly show that thepoor PPARγ-binding compound 1 significantly lowered blood pressure inthis model where hypertension was generated by treatment with aglucocorticoid.

Example 4a Fasting Free Fatty Acids (FFA) and Adiponectin in TreatedDahl Rats

Male salt-sensitive Dahl rats were made hypertensive by feeding a highsalt (4%) diet for 3 weeks and then treated with vehicle (1%carboxymethylcellulose/0.01% Tween 20), 20 mg/kg rosiglitazone, or 40mg/kg compound 1 for an additional 3 weeks. Doses of these compoundswere chosen to produce the same metabolic effects in terms of reductionof triglycerides and elevation of adiponectin (Table E). Direct bloodpressure (systolic and diastolic) and heart rate was also measured bytelemetry (Tables F—H and FIG. 4).

TABLE E Effects of compound 1 and rosiglitazone on triglycerides andadiponectin. Treatment Vehicle Compound 1 Rosiglitazone FFA 1.3 0.70*0.77* (2) (0.1) (0.1) Adiponectin 14   36*    36*    (5) (2)   (4)  

Data in Tables F—H and depicted in FIGS. 4A-4C are 24 hour averages forthe last 4 days before the start of the daily oral gavage of treatments(−4, −3, −2, −1) and for the days 1-17 during the treatments shown.

TABLE F Systolic blood pressure measured by telemetry in hypertensiverats treated with vehicle, compound 1, or rosiglitazone. VehicleRosiglitazone Compound 1 Day Mean SEM Mean SEM Mean SEM −4 169 4 174 5171 4 −3 167 4 171 5 170 4 −2 177 5 176 5 175 4 −1 173 4 173 5 173 4 1177 4 169 6 167 4 2 182 4 172 6 167 5 * 3 185 5 175 7 171 4 * 4 185 5177 7 170 4 * 5 189 6 179 7 173 5 * 6 192 6 179 8 173 5 * 7 197 7 184 8176 5 * 8 195 4 188 8 180 6 * 9 200 5 190 8 182 5 * 10 206 6 192 7 1855 * 11 205 6 194 7 184 5 * 12 200 7 196 8 187 6 * 13 199 9 196 8 189 6 *14 203 7 198 8 192 6 * 15 207 7 202 9 193 6 * 16 210 8 204 9 197 6 * 17211 8 204 9 195 6 * Data are mean and (SEM); N = 9-10; * significantlydifferent than vehicle.

TABLE G Diastolic blood pressure measured by telemetry in hypertensiverats treated with vehicle, compound 1, or rosiglitazone. VehicleRosiglitazone Compound 1 Day Mean SEM Mean SEM Mean SEM −4 121 3 124 5124 3 −3 119 3 124 5 123 4 −2 126 4 127 4 127 4 −1 124 4 124 4 125 4 1126 4 119 4 119 3 2 131 4 121 5 117 3 * 3 134 4 123 5 120 3 * 4 135 4124 5 119 4 * 5 137 4 126 5 122 4 * 6 139 5 126 5 121 4 * 7 144 6 131 6125 4 * 8 141 3 135 5 128 5 * 9 145 4 136 6 129 4 * 10 151 5 138 6 1324 * 11 151 6 139 6 132 5 * 12 147 6 141 6 132 5 * 13 147 8 141 6 135 5 *14 150 6 142 6 135 5 * 15 153 5 146 6 137 5 * 16 153 6 149 7 138 5 * 17153 6 148 7 141 5 *

TABLE H Heart rate measured by telemetry in hypertensive rats treatedwith vehicle, compound 1, or rosiglitazone. Vehicle RosiglitazoneCompound 1 Day Mean SEM Mean SEM Mean SEM −4 395 7 403 5 406 4 −3 393 7400 5 400 3 −2 388 4 394 5 398 4 −1 386 4 395 5 393 4 1 392 5 407 4 4204 2 392 5 402 6 414 4 3 394 8 405 5 406 4 4 398 7 399 5 405 3 5 395 7398 2 400 2 6 392 6 398 5 395 2 7 396 8 393 5 389 3 * 8 400 7 401 5 3944 * 9 398 5 398 6 388 2 * 10 404 6 398 7 389 4 * 11 406 8 399 6 389 3 *12 406 9 399 6 391 3 * 13 396 8 395 6 388 4 * 14 399 5 393 6 385 5 * 15403 7 398 7 390 4 * 16 398 17 401 7 389 5 * 17 396 6 402 8 388 4 *

In Tables F—H, data are mean and (SEM); N=9-10; and “*” indicates aresponse significantly different than the vehicle.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C and Tables F—H, PPARγ-sparing compound 1 ismore effective in reducing blood pressure than is the PPARγ-bindingpositive control rosiglitazone. Furthermore, compound 1 also achievesthe reduction in blood pressure while reducing heart rate, whichsuggests that PPARγ-sparing compounds similar to compound 1 will be moreeffective antihypertensive treatments in clinical practice.

Example 5 In Vivo Metabolism of Compound 1 and Pioglitazone

Referring to FIG. 5, dosing of compound 1 generates, in vivo, a primarymetabolite that is compound 2 in Table A. Compound 1 and pioglitazonehydrochloride were given to normal Sprague Dawley rats and HPLC/massspectroscopy was used to evaluate the alcohol metabolites. Where aspioglitazone was metabolized to both stereoisomers (compounds 2 and 3),compound 1 was metabolized selectively to compound 2 (see FIG. 5), alsoa PPARγ-sparing compound (Table B). These data show that both compound 1and compound 2 have unexpected efficacy to treat hypertension as shownin examples 2-4. This characteristic is part of the improvedantihypertensive profile of compounds 1 and 2 illustrated in FIG. 5.Metabolites were measured by chiral HPLC/MS.

As the general consensus of the scientific community is that insulinsensitizing compounds are effective pharmacologically because they areactivators of PPARγ, the antihypertensive activity of the PPARγ-sparingthiazolidinedione compounds of the present invention is unexpected.

Furthermore, the use of compound 1, and by inference, compound 2, whichboth possess reduced PPARγ interactions, in combination with HCTZindicates that PPARγ-sparing thiazolidinediones within the scope of thisinvention are also suitable for use in combination therapies such aspharmaceutical compositions further comprising a diuretic (e.g., HCTZ orthe like), an ACE inhibitor (e.g., ramipril, captopril, enalapril, orthe like), an angiotensin II receptor blocker (e.g., losartan,olmesartan, telmisartan, or the like), a renin inhibitor, a β-adrenergicreceptor blocker, an aldosterone receptor (e.g., eplerenone, or thelike), or any combination thereof.

Other Embodiments

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described inconjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoingdescription is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of theinvention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Otheraspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating or reducing the severity ofhypertension comprising administering to a patient with hypertension apharmaceutical composition comprising Compound No. 1 Compound No. 1


2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutical composition furthercomprises a diuretic, a statin, an ACE inhibitor, an ARB, a renininhibitor, a β-adrenergic receptor blocker, an aldosterone receptorblocker, or combinations thereof.